Today’s episode is for anyone who has ever had a business idea… and then immediately felt completely overwhelmed by everything that comes next.

Because I think the idea is often the easy part - it’s the ‘how do I actually turn this into something real?’ that stops so many people in their tracks.

I’m joined by Emily Griffiths, who has built and scaled her own business and really understands what it takes to go from that initial spark of an idea through to actually making it work - the research, the planning, the numbers, and all the bits that people don’t always talk about.

In this conversation, we’re breaking it all down in a really honest and practical way - from how to know if your idea is worth pursuing, to what a business plan actually needs to look like, how to think about budgets and P&Ls without feeling intimidated, and how to start something alongside the reality of a busy life.

It’s one of those episodes that feels like a bit of a reset if you’ve been sitting on an idea for a while… or if you’re already building something and just want a bit more clarity on what you’re doing.

I think you’ll take a lot from this one.

Find Emily on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilygriffiths.official/

Products and Recommendations:
Clinique Moisture Surge

Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue

Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast

THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK

The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to.

Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook

Today we’re joined by a guest who is opening up a conversation that so many of us are quietly having - but rarely saying out loud. Sophie Rose-Arnold is an alcohol-free advocate who shares a refreshingly honest perspective on what it really looks like to step away from drinking - especially as a woman navigating motherhood, friendships, and everyday life.

After nearly two decades of drinking, Sophie made the decision to stop completely - not because she hit a rock bottom, but because alcohol simply stopped working for her. What followed was a journey of unlearning, rebuilding, and redefining what fun, connection, and relaxation actually look like.

In this conversation, we talk about the culture around alcohol - from binge drinking in our 20s to the pressure to keep drinking as adults, especially in social settings. We unpack the anxiety, the sleep disruption, the “just one drink” cycle, how motherhood changes everything and why so many women are quietly rethinking their relationship with alcohol.

We also talk honestly about what makes it hard to stop - the social pressure, the identity shift, and the fear of being seen as “boring” and what changes when you do.

This is not about labels or extremes. It’s about awareness, choice, and understanding what actually makes you feel good.

If you’ve ever found yourself questioning your relationship with alcohol even quietly, this episode will resonate.

Find Sophie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/af.sophierose/

Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue

Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast

THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK

The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to.

Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook

Today’s guest is someone I’ve been really looking forward to having on the podcast - especially because she brings so much clarity to a space that can feel noisy, confusing, and very trend-led.

Grainne Sullivan is the founder of Glazed Aesthetics, and she’s known for her thoughtful, no-nonsense approach to skin care. Rather than chasing quick fixes or viral treatments, Gráinne focuses on long-term skin health, education, and doing less - but better.

In this episode, we talk about what actually makes a difference when it comes to your skin, the rise of Korean skincare and whether we really need 10 steps, which products and ingredients are worth using versus skipping, and how to think about aesthetic treatments like Profhilo and polynucleotides without getting caught up in hype or pressure.

This is an honest, grounded conversation for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by skincare advice and just wants to understand what truly works.

Find Grainne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glazedaestheticsdxb/

PRODUCTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

Exfo Cleanser
Skin Laundry Tranexamic acid - https://skinlaundry.ae/product/tranexamic-acid-serum/
Korean brand Tranexamic acid -
POST Recovery Cream
SPF Beauty of Joseon - kbeautyarabia.com
SPF PH Formula - https://glazed-aesthetics.com

Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue

Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast

THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK

The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to.

Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook

Travelling with kids isn’t quite the relaxing escape it once was - but it can still be one of the most rewarding, memorable things you do as a family.

In this episode, I’m sharing an honest take on what travel really looks like with three children and some of my favourite spots to visit, including the JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa - which struck that rare balance between true luxury and genuine ease with children - and Feuerstein Nature Family Resort, which was quite possibly the most enjoyable holiday the kids have ever had.

I also share quick thoughts on other standout family-friendly hotels, including Soneva Fushi, One&Only Le Saint Géran, Banyan Tree Phuket, Wilderness Reserve and The Ritz-Carlton Krabi - each offering something slightly different depending on the kind of trip you’re after.

We also touch on what’s next on our travel list this year - from Hong Kong Disneyland and the ease of Ikos Dassia, to slower, design-led stays at Sublime Comporta and the magic of a winter trip to Lapland.

This episode is less about perfect itineraries, and more about a shift in mindset - travelling differently, choosing ease where you can, and embracing the chaos (just a little).

Because while it might not always feel like a holiday… it’s always worth it.

SHOW NOTES:

FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTELS (Linked for ease)

• JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
• Feuerstein Nature Family Resort
• Soneva Fushi
• One&Only Le Saint Géran
• Banyan Tree Phuket
• Wilderness Reserve
• The Ritz-Carlton Krabi

ON OUR TRAVEL LIST (Linked for ease)

• Hong Kong Disneyland
• Ikos Dassia
• Sublime Comporta
• Lapland

Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue

Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast

Today we’re joined by a guest who is quietly redefining what life in Dubai can really look like - and this is a powerful listen for anyone moving here, or wondering if the city is the right fit for their family.

Laura Jones is a mum of three and the creator behind Home by Laura Jones, where she shares a slower, more intentional side of life in a city often known for its speed, luxury and excess.

After moving to Dubai over a decade ago, Laura made a conscious decision to build a life that stayed true to her values - focused on family, simplicity, gratitude and creating a calm home environment, even in one of the world’s busiest cities.

Her version of Dubai isn’t brunches and designer labels. It’s family dinners, slow weekends, growing herbs in the garden, DIY projects, meal planning, and raising kind, grounded girls who understand the value of what they have. In this conversation, we talk about the reality of moving to Dubai as an expat - the emotional first year, living far from family, and how to build community and a sense of home from scratch. Laura’s story is a reminder that Dubai doesn’t have to look the way people think it does. You don’t have to change who you are to live here.

If you need a little reassurance that it’s possible to create your own version of home here, this episode is for you.

Find Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homebylaurajones/

Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue

Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast

THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK

The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to.

Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook

Today’s guest is no stranger to the spotlight -or to the juggle. Helen Farmer is a much-loved voice across the UAE: broadcaster, writer, mum, and now, published author.

But behind the headlines and the mic is a story of grit, growth, and learning to thrive with ADHD - while raising kids, writing books, and showing up every day with honesty and heart.

In this episode, we explore what balance really means, how diagnosis can reshape identity, and the surprising freedom that comes from setting boundaries.

Find Helen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_helenfarmer_/

PRODUCTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
Helen's books and Storyverse
PRODUCT: Noise cancelling headphones
APP: Insight timer

Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue

Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast

This episode is brought to you by Lullaby Bloom, a beautiful baby clothing brand founded by a mum who truly understands what parents actually need.

Lullaby Bloom has just been recognised as the Best Sustainable Baby Clothing Brand 2026 here in the UAE, and once you see the quality of their pieces it’s very easy to understand why.

Everything is made from 100% organic cotton, which means it’s incredibly soft and gentle on sensitive baby skin, and the brand is fully GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified, so you know the fabrics have been responsibly sourced and carefully tested.

THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK

The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to.

Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook

Today, we’re joined by Beth Clay, founder of Finance Her Well, to talk about something many of us think about often but don’t always talk about openly - money.

From the psychology behind our relationship with money to why so many women feel stress or shame around finances, this conversation explores how our experiences shape the way we earn, save, spend and invest.

Beth also shares simple ways to start building financial confidence and making your money work for you - whether you're navigating finances in a relationship, thinking about investing, or simply trying to feel more in control of your financial future. We also talk about motherhood, investing, financial independence, and the importance of having open conversations about money within relationships.

If money has ever felt overwhelming, emotional, or confusing, this episode will help you start looking at it in a completely different way.

Find Deborah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financeherwell/

Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue

Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast

THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK

The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to.

Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook

Today we’re joined by a guest who has spent over two decades building businesses and now helps women do the same while navigating motherhood, ambition, and the reality of limited time.

Deborah Henning is an entrepreneur, mentor and the founder of Self Made CEO, a mentorship program designed to help women build profitable businesses without sacrificing their families, their wellbeing, or their identity along the way.

After running a fashion brand for 15 years and later building a multi-six-figure consultancy working with some of the Middle East’s biggest retail names, Deborah made a bold shift in her career. Today she works with women who want to turn their skills, experiences and ideas into thriving businesses - even if they feel like they don’t have enough time, confidence or clarity to begin.

In this conversation, we talk about the reality of building a business while raising children. Deborah shares practical insights on time blocking, delegation, systems, and how women can build businesses in just a few focused hours a day. We also talk about starting before you feel ready, the role AI will play in the future of business, and why motherhood often becomes the catalyst for women wanting to create something of their own.

If you’ve ever had a business idea sitting in the back of your mind but wondered when the right time might be to start, this episode is a powerful reminder that the perfect moment rarely arrives.

Find Deborah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborahhenningofficial/

Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue

Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast

THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK

The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to.

Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook